Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A wearable augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) display apparatus, comprising: an optical waveguide; an optical free-form surface; and a microdisplay; wherein optical free-form surface is optically coupled to the waveguide through an inclined optical path; the apparatus further comprising a projection optical system including a prism having the optical free-form surface; wherein the prism comprises at least three free-form curved surfaces, has non-overlapping exit pupil positions in two orthogonal directions, a thickness ≦5 mm, and a width ≦10 mm.
Augmented and virtual reality displays often face challenges with size, weight, and field of view. This invention describes a compact and efficient optical system for a wearable AR/VR display apparatus. The apparatus utilizes an optical waveguide to guide light to the user's eye. A microdisplay generates the image content. Crucially, an optical free-form surface, integrated into a prism, is employed. This prism is optically coupled to the waveguide via an inclined path. The prism itself is a key innovation, featuring at least three free-form curved surfaces. This design allows for non-overlapping exit pupil positions in two orthogonal directions, which is important for a wide field of view and user comfort. Furthermore, the prism is designed to be extremely thin, with a thickness of 5 mm or less, and narrow, with a width of 10 mm or less. This miniaturization contributes to a more comfortable and less obtrusive wearable device. The projection optical system, including this specialized prism, enables the efficient delivery of augmented or virtual reality imagery to the user.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the inclined light path is a non-rectangular light path.
This invention relates to optical systems, specifically apparatuses for directing light along non-rectangular paths. The problem addressed is the limitation of conventional optical systems that rely on straight or rectangular light paths, which can restrict design flexibility and efficiency in certain applications. The apparatus includes a light source and an optical element configured to direct light along an inclined, non-rectangular path. The non-rectangular path may include curved, angled, or irregular segments, allowing for more compact or customized optical designs. The optical element may be a mirror, prism, or lens system that bends or refracts light to achieve the desired path. The apparatus may also include additional components, such as sensors or filters, to modify or analyze the light as it travels along the path. By using a non-rectangular light path, the apparatus enables more efficient use of space and improved performance in applications where straight paths are impractical. This could include imaging systems, sensors, or lighting designs where compactness or specific angular requirements are critical. The invention provides greater design freedom compared to traditional rectangular or straight-path optical systems.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a projection optical system including: a light engine; and an imaging prism having the optical free-form surface.
A projection optical system is designed to enhance image quality in display or imaging applications by incorporating an imaging prism with an optical free-form surface. The system includes a light engine that generates and directs light to form images, and the imaging prism with the free-form surface corrects optical aberrations, such as distortion, chromatic aberration, or field curvature, that arise during projection. The free-form surface allows for precise control over light rays, enabling improved uniformity, sharpness, and accuracy in the projected image. This design is particularly useful in high-performance projection systems, such as digital cinema, augmented reality, or advanced imaging devices, where minimizing optical distortions is critical. The combination of the light engine and the free-form surface prism optimizes light transmission and reduces manufacturing complexity compared to traditional multi-element lens systems. The system may also include additional optical components, such as lenses or mirrors, to further refine image quality. The overall goal is to achieve superior optical performance while maintaining compactness and efficiency in the projection apparatus.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the light engine comprises a PBS beam splitter, a ¼ wave plate, a reflector, and an LED light source.
This invention relates to optical projection systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently generating and manipulating polarized light for high-quality image projection. The apparatus includes a light engine designed to produce and control polarized light beams with improved efficiency and precision. The light engine comprises a polarizing beam splitter (PBS), a quarter-wave plate, a reflector, and an LED light source. The LED light source emits light, which is then split by the PBS into polarized components. The quarter-wave plate modifies the polarization state of the light, enabling precise control over its direction and intensity. The reflector redirects the light back through the system, enhancing light utilization and reducing losses. This configuration allows for compact, high-efficiency light engines suitable for projection systems, displays, and other optical applications requiring controlled polarized light. The invention improves upon traditional systems by optimizing light path and polarization management, resulting in brighter, more efficient projections with reduced power consumption.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the optical waveguide comprises a planar waveguide optical element having an input coupling end including a reflector, the input coupling end substantially overlapping with the exit pupil of the prism, and wherein following conditions are satisfied to thereby reduce stray light: 0 ≤ T exd ≤ d , D exd = 2 d × tan θ i + tan θ i tan ω y ′ tan θ 1 + tan θtan θ i wherein T exd is a diameter of an entrance pupil, d is a thickness of the waveguide optical element, θ i is the incident angle of light beam at the front or back surface of the waveguide optical element, ω y ′ is a refractive angle of the largest field of view light beam in the light pupil expansion direction incident upon the waveguide optical element.
This invention relates to optical waveguide systems, specifically addressing stray light reduction in waveguide-based display devices. The apparatus includes a planar waveguide optical element with an input coupling end featuring a reflector. The input coupling end is positioned to substantially overlap with the exit pupil of a prism, ensuring efficient light coupling. To minimize stray light, the system satisfies specific geometric and angular conditions. The diameter of the entrance pupil (T exd) is constrained by the waveguide thickness (d), ensuring T exd does not exceed d. The system also enforces a relationship between the waveguide thickness, incident angle (θ i), refractive angle of the largest field-of-view light beam (ω y ′), and other angular parameters (θ 1, θ) to control light propagation. These conditions optimize light coupling while suppressing unwanted reflections and scattering, improving image clarity and contrast in waveguide-based optical systems. The design is particularly useful in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays where minimizing stray light is critical for performance.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein T exd = d × tan ω y ′ tan ω y , wherein ω y is a largest field of view angle in a light pupil expansion direction.
The invention relates to optical systems, specifically apparatuses for expanding the field of view in imaging systems. The problem addressed is the limited field of view in conventional optical systems, which restricts the amount of light captured and processed. The apparatus includes a light pupil expansion system designed to increase the field of view in a specific direction, enhancing imaging performance. The apparatus calculates an extended field of view distance (T_exd) using the formula T_exd = d × tan(ω_y') × tan(ω_y), where d is a distance parameter, ω_y' is an adjusted field of view angle, and ω_y is the largest field of view angle in the light pupil expansion direction. This calculation ensures precise control over the expanded field of view, optimizing light capture and imaging quality. The system may include optical elements such as lenses, mirrors, or diffractive components arranged to manipulate light rays and achieve the desired field of view expansion. The apparatus may also incorporate mechanisms for adjusting the field of view angle dynamically, allowing for adaptable imaging in different scenarios. The overall design aims to improve imaging systems by providing a wider field of view while maintaining optical performance.
7. A method of displaying augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) images with a wearable display apparatus, the method comprising: generating images with a microdisplay; projecting the generated images with a projection optical system including an optical free-form surface; and coupling the projected images to an optical waveguide through an inclined optical path; wherein the optical waveguide comprises a planar waveguide optical element comprising: a rectangular prism input coupling end; a dichroic mirror array output coupling end; wherein parameters of the waveguide include: a plate thickness d; an angle θ between the dichroic mirror and a plane; a distance h 1 between the input coupling end and the output coupling end; a distance h 2 between dichroic mirrors of the array; a glass refractive index n; wherein of the waveguide device: the dichroic mirror array has mirrors parallel to each other; the angle θ satisfies 20°≦θ≦40°; the distance h 2 between dichroic mirrors satisfies h 2 =d/tan (θ); the refractive index n satisfies 1.4≦n≦1.8; the thickness d satisfies 1.4≦d≦3.6 mm.
The invention relates to an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) display system using a wearable apparatus. The system generates images with a microdisplay and projects them through a projection optical system featuring an optical free-form surface. The projected images are then coupled into an optical waveguide via an inclined optical path. The waveguide is a planar optical element with a rectangular prism input coupling end and a dichroic mirror array output coupling end. The waveguide has specific parameters: a plate thickness (d) between 1.4 mm and 3.6 mm, an angle (θ) between the dichroic mirror and the waveguide plane ranging from 20° to 40°, and a distance (h2) between adjacent dichroic mirrors in the array equal to the thickness divided by the tangent of the angle. The waveguide also has a glass refractive index (n) between 1.4 and 1.8. The dichroic mirrors in the array are parallel to each other, and the distance (h1) between the input coupling end and the output coupling end is not explicitly constrained. This design ensures efficient image coupling and output while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for wearable AR/VR devices.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the inclined light path is a non-rectangular light path.
A method for optical signal processing involves directing light along an inclined light path within a photonic device. The light path is non-rectangular, meaning it deviates from a straight or right-angled trajectory. This non-rectangular path may include curved, angled, or otherwise irregular segments to manipulate the light's propagation for specific applications, such as signal modulation, filtering, or routing. The method may also include generating the light, coupling it into the device, and controlling its path to achieve desired optical effects. The non-rectangular design allows for enhanced flexibility in light manipulation, enabling more compact or efficient photonic circuits. This approach is useful in integrated photonics, where precise control of light paths is critical for high-performance optical communication and signal processing systems. The method may be implemented in various photonic platforms, including silicon photonics, where light is guided through waveguides with tailored geometries to optimize performance. The non-rectangular path can reduce losses, improve coupling efficiency, or enable novel functionalities not achievable with conventional straight or rectangular light paths.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the projection optical system comprises a light engine system and a free-form surface prism imaging system.
A method for optical projection involves a system designed to enhance image quality and reduce distortion in projected displays. The system addresses challenges in conventional projection technologies, such as limited field of view, optical aberrations, and inefficient light utilization, by incorporating advanced optical components. The projection optical system includes a light engine system, which generates and modulates the light source, and a free-form surface prism imaging system. The free-form surface prism imaging system is designed to correct optical distortions and improve image uniformity by using non-standard, mathematically optimized surfaces. This combination allows for high-resolution, wide-angle projection with minimal aberrations. The light engine system may include light sources, such as LEDs or lasers, along with modulators like digital micromirror devices (DMDs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs), to control the light output. The free-form surface prism imaging system then shapes and directs the light to form a clear, distortion-free image on a target surface. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring high-performance projection, such as augmented reality (AR) displays, automotive head-up displays (HUDs), and large-format projection systems. The method ensures efficient light transmission, precise image alignment, and reduced optical losses, making it suitable for demanding visual applications.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the light engine comprises a PBS beam splitter, a ¼ wave plate, a reflector, and an LED light source.
This invention relates to optical systems for light projection, specifically addressing the need for compact, efficient light engines that can manipulate polarized light for applications such as display systems or imaging. The method involves a light engine that includes a polarizing beam splitter (PBS), a quarter-wave plate, a reflector, and an LED light source. The PBS separates incoming light into orthogonal polarization states, while the quarter-wave plate modifies the polarization state of the reflected light. The reflector redirects the light back through the quarter-wave plate and PBS, enabling efficient recycling of light and improving overall system efficiency. The LED light source provides the initial illumination, and the combination of these components allows for precise control of light polarization and direction, enhancing brightness and contrast in projection systems. This configuration minimizes optical losses and optimizes light utilization, making it suitable for high-performance display and imaging applications. The system is designed to be compact and scalable, addressing challenges in conventional light engines related to size, efficiency, and polarization control.
11. The method of claim 7 , wherein the projection optical system comprises a prism having at least one optical free-form curved surface.
This invention relates to optical projection systems, particularly for high-precision applications such as lithography or imaging. The problem addressed is the need for improved optical performance, such as reduced aberrations, compactness, or enhanced imaging quality, in systems that project light onto a target surface. The method involves using a projection optical system that includes a prism with at least one optical free-form curved surface. Free-form surfaces are non-symmetrical and can be customized to correct specific optical distortions, unlike traditional spherical or aspherical surfaces. The prism may be used to fold the optical path, redirect light, or correct aberrations, improving overall system performance. The free-form surface allows for precise control over light rays, enabling better image fidelity, reduced size, or lower manufacturing complexity compared to conventional multi-element lens systems. The prism may be positioned at any suitable location within the optical path, such as between a light source and a projection lens, or as part of a larger lens assembly. The free-form surface can be designed to compensate for distortions introduced by other optical components, ensuring that the projected image meets high-precision requirements. This approach is particularly useful in applications where space constraints or performance demands necessitate advanced optical correction techniques.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the free-form surface prism comprises at least three free-form curved surfaces, with non-overlapping exit pupil positions in two orthogonal directions, with a thickness ≦5 mm, and a width ≦10 mm.
This invention relates to optical systems, specifically free-form surface prisms used in compact imaging or display devices. The problem addressed is the need for a lightweight, thin prism that can efficiently redirect light while maintaining precise control over exit pupil positions in multiple directions. The prism comprises at least three free-form curved surfaces, each designed to manipulate light paths without overlapping exit pupil positions in two orthogonal directions. This ensures distinct light paths for different viewing angles or imaging functions. The prism has a maximum thickness of 5 mm and a width of 10 mm, enabling integration into slim devices like augmented reality glasses, cameras, or portable displays. The free-form surfaces are non-symmetrical and precisely contoured to minimize aberrations while directing light to specific exit pupils. The design avoids overlapping exit pupils, preventing crosstalk between optical channels. The compact dimensions allow the prism to fit within tight spatial constraints, making it suitable for wearable or handheld applications. The prism may be used in systems requiring multi-directional light redirection, such as head-mounted displays, compact cameras, or optical sensors. Its small form factor and precise optical properties enable high-performance imaging in space-limited environments. The invention improves upon traditional prisms by combining multiple free-form surfaces into a single, ultra-thin component.
13. The method of claim 12 , the input coupling end substantially overlapping with the free-form surface prism exit pupil, and wherein following conditions are satisfied to thereby reduce stray light: 0 ≤ T exd ≤ d , and T exd = d × tan ω y ′ tan ω y , D exd = 2 d × tan θ i + tan θ i tan ω y ′ tan θ 1 + tan θtan θ i wherein T exd is a diameter of an entrance pupil, d is a thickness of the waveguide optical element, θ i is the incident angle of light beam at the front or back surface of the waveguide optical element, ω y is a largest field of view angle in a light pupil expansion direction, ω y ′ is a refractive angle of the largest field of view light beam in the light pupil expansion direction incident upon the waveguide optical element.
This invention relates to waveguide optical elements used in augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) systems, addressing stray light reduction in pupil-expanding waveguides. The system includes a waveguide optical element with a free-form surface prism exit pupil and an input coupling end that substantially overlaps with this exit pupil. The design ensures minimal stray light by satisfying specific geometric and angular conditions. The entrance pupil diameter (T_exd) is constrained by the waveguide thickness (d) and the refractive angle (ω_y') of the largest field-of-view light beam in the pupil expansion direction, ensuring T_exd does not exceed d. Additionally, the exit pupil diameter (D_exd) is determined by the incident angle (θ_i) of light at the waveguide surface, the largest field-of-view angle (ω_y), and the refractive angles (θ_1 and θ_i) within the waveguide. These relationships optimize light coupling efficiency while minimizing unwanted reflections or scattering, improving image clarity in AR/VR displays. The invention focuses on precise optical alignment and angular constraints to enhance performance in compact, high-field-of-view waveguide systems.
14. The method of claim 7 , wherein the planar waveguide optical element output coupling end comprises at least two parallel dichroic mirrors.
This invention relates to optical systems using planar waveguide elements for light output coupling, addressing challenges in efficiently extracting and separating multiple wavelengths of light from a waveguide. The system includes a planar waveguide optical element with an output coupling end designed to direct light out of the waveguide. The output coupling end features at least two parallel dichroic mirrors, which are optical filters that selectively reflect or transmit light based on wavelength. These mirrors are arranged to separate and direct different wavelengths of light into distinct output paths. The dichroic mirrors enable efficient wavelength separation, allowing the system to extract multiple wavelengths simultaneously without significant loss or interference. This configuration is particularly useful in applications requiring precise light manipulation, such as optical communication, sensing, or display technologies, where multiple wavelengths must be managed independently. The parallel arrangement of the dichroic mirrors ensures compactness and alignment, improving system integration and performance. The invention enhances the functionality of planar waveguide systems by providing a structured and efficient method for wavelength separation at the output coupling end.
15. The method of claim 7 , wherein the planar waveguide optical element input coupling end comprises a reflector or a triangular prism.
A method for optical signal processing involves a planar waveguide optical element designed to couple input signals efficiently. The input coupling end of this waveguide includes a reflector or a triangular prism to enhance signal coupling. The waveguide itself is structured to support optical signal propagation with minimal loss, and the coupling mechanism ensures precise alignment and efficient transmission of the optical signal into the waveguide. The reflector or triangular prism at the input end redirects the incoming optical signal into the waveguide, optimizing coupling efficiency and reducing signal degradation. This design is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision optical signal transmission, such as telecommunications, sensing, and optical computing. The method ensures that the optical signal is accurately directed into the waveguide, maintaining signal integrity and performance. The use of a reflector or triangular prism provides flexibility in design, allowing for adaptation to different optical system configurations while maintaining high coupling efficiency. This approach addresses challenges in optical signal coupling, such as misalignment and signal loss, by providing a robust and efficient input mechanism. The waveguide and coupling elements are engineered to work together seamlessly, ensuring reliable optical signal transmission in various applications.
16. The method of claim 7 , wherein the projection optical system has a short exit pupil substantially overlapping with the input coupling end, and a long exit pupil substantially overlapping with an exit pupil of the waveguide device.
This invention relates to optical systems for waveguide devices, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently coupling light into and out of waveguides while maintaining high image quality. The method involves an optical system designed to project light into a waveguide with a short exit pupil that substantially overlaps with the input coupling end of the waveguide. This configuration ensures precise alignment and minimal loss during light entry. Additionally, the system features a long exit pupil that substantially overlaps with the exit pupil of the waveguide device, optimizing light extraction and reducing distortion. The waveguide device itself may include a plurality of diffractive elements, such as gratings, to further enhance light coupling efficiency. The optical system may also incorporate a lens array to control light distribution and reduce aberrations. The method ensures that light entering the waveguide is properly collimated and directed, while the overlapping exit pupils minimize optical losses and improve overall system performance. This approach is particularly useful in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) displays, where compact, high-efficiency optical systems are essential.
17. A method of displaying augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) images with a wearable display apparatus, the method comprising: generating images with a microdisplay; projecting the generated images with a projection optical system including an optical free-form surface; and coupling the projected images to an optical waveguide through an inclined optical path; wherein the microdisplay device comprises: a first and a second microdisplays, configured to display respectively a near and a far observation images relative to a user eye, or display respectively a far and a near observation images relative to the eye, wherein the first and second observation images being displayed have different distances to the user eye, but with substantially fields of view areas being covered, the first image weighted toward describing in a three-dimensional rendering of a scene an object having a nearer depth, the second imaged weighted toward describing in the three-dimensional rendering of the scene an object having a farther depth; wherein the projection optical system comprises: a first curved optical surface prism configured to magnify and place an image displayed by the first microdisplay at a distance relatively close to the user eye; a second curved optical surface prism configured to magnify and place an image displayed by the first microdisplay at a distance relatively far from the user eye; the first prism and the second prism surface include a pair of optical surfaces having same shape parameters but opposite signs, i.e., a second optical surface of the first prism and a first optical surface of the second prism, through the two surfaces glued together a seamless connection between the two prisms is achieved, wherein the connection is coated with a half-permeable membrane to achieve an integration of two focal plane images; wherein the first prism comprises three optical free-form surfaces, wherein: at least one light reflection occurs at one of the optical free-form surfaces, the second optical surface is a concave reflecting surface, a space surrounded by the three optical free-form surfaces is filled with glass or resin optical material having a refractive index greater than 1.4, the optical surfaces include one of a spherical surface, an aspherical surface, or a free-form surface such as a complex curvature XY polynomial surface; light emitted from the first microdisplay enters into the first prism through the third optical surface, reflected by the first optical surface to the second optical surface, and reflected by the second optical surface and transmits through the first optical surface to the user eye.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) systems often struggle to provide realistic depth perception due to limitations in displaying objects at varying distances with consistent field of view. This invention addresses the challenge by using a wearable display apparatus with a dual-microdisplay system and a specialized optical projection system. The apparatus includes two microdisplays: one for near objects and another for far objects in a 3D scene, ensuring both are visible within the same field of view. The projection system uses two curved optical surface prisms with identical but oppositely signed shapes, allowing seamless integration of the two focal planes. The prisms are glued together with a half-permeable membrane to combine the images. The first prism has three free-form surfaces, including a concave reflecting surface, and is filled with a high-refractive-index material (greater than 1.4) such as glass or resin. Light from the near-object microdisplay enters the prism, reflects off two surfaces, and exits toward the user's eye. The second prism similarly processes the far-object image. This design enables accurate depth rendering while maintaining a compact form factor, improving immersion in AR/VR environments.
Unknown
January 16, 2018
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